Dick Pole – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Pole made a solid name for himself as a Major League Baseball pitcher in the 1970s, bouncing around the American League before calling it quits in 1978. He spent time with the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers, all while baseball was going through some pretty unforgettable times.

Pole wrapped up his eight-year MLB career in 1978, stepping away as an active player to look for new opportunities off the field. The right-hander’s retirement closed out a journey that started in the minors and landed him in clubhouses all over the league during baseball’s big expansion years.

Here’s a look at Pole’s full baseball story, from those early career highlights to his final season. We’ll dig into his life after baseball, his finances, and the legacy he left both on and off the mound.

Dick Pole’s Baseball Career Overview

Dick Pole built his major league career as a right-handed pitcher from 1973 to 1980. He played for three teams, but his most productive years came with the Boston Red Sox.

Debut and Early Years

Dick Pole got his big league start with the Boston Red Sox on September 15, 1973. He was just 23 when he first climbed the mound in the majors.

In his rookie year, 1974, he appeared in 28 games for Boston. Pole put up a 4-2 record and a 3.87 ERA that first full season.

He threw 65 innings and struck out 35 batters. Pretty soon, people saw him as a reliable arm in the Red Sox bullpen.

As he got more experience, Pole’s control improved. He showed he could handle big-league hitters.

Notable Teams Played For

Pole spent most of his career with the Boston Red Sox from 1973 to 1976. Over four seasons, he pitched in 89 games for Boston. His best year was 1975, when he went 4-6 with a 4.50 ERA.

After Boston, Pole joined the Seattle Mariners in 1977 for their very first season in the majors. He pitched in 31 games and posted a 7-12 record with a 4.52 ERA.

His last stop was with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1978. He made just 12 appearances before retiring. He finished his career with a 16-25 record and a 4.52 ERA across 132 games.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Dick Pole threw right-handed and depended more on control and location than raw power. His fastball, curveball, and changeup made up his usual mix.

His fastball topped out in the mid-80s. Pole’s main strength was throwing strikes—he walked just 2.8 batters per nine innings.

That control helped him succeed even though he didn’t have elite velocity. Pole worked as a starter and long reliever throughout his career.

When starting, he averaged about 5.5 innings per outing. His durability and willingness to pitch deep into games made him valuable to his teams.

Major League Baseball Highlights

Dick Pole’s MLB run lasted from 1973 to 1978, with memorable moments for the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. He had some solid performances, decent stats, and worked with some well-respected teammates and managers during a tough era of baseball.

Significant Games and Performances

Pole debuted for the Red Sox on April 7, 1973, against the Yankees at Fenway Park. He pitched 4.2 innings in relief, gave up two runs, and struck out three.

His best year was 1974, when he posted a 3.87 ERA over 32 games. That season, he threw a complete game shutout against Milwaukee on June 15, striking out seven and allowing just five hits.

In 1975, he helped the Red Sox win the American League pennant. He appeared in 31 games, mostly as a reliever, and kept a 4.58 ERA during that run.

When he joined the Seattle Mariners in 1977, Pole pitched in their very first season. He made 28 appearances and helped shape the pitching staff for the new team.

Career Statistics Analysis

Dick Pole finished his six-year MLB career with a 25-34 win-loss record. His lifetime ERA was 4.52 in 123 total appearances, including 74 starts.

He struck out 244 batters in 548.1 innings. Pole walked 261 hitters, ending up with a 1.51 WHIP.

His best numbers came in 1974, with career highs in wins (4), innings pitched (125.2), and strikeouts (63). That year, he also had his lowest ERA at 3.87.

As a reliever, Pole picked up three saves. He threw four complete games, including a shutout.

At the plate, he batted .159 with two RBIs as a pitcher. His fielding percentage was .952, with 12 errors in 250 chances.

Key Teammates and Managers

Pole played for manager Darrell Johnson with the Red Sox from 1974 to 1976. Johnson led Boston to the 1975 World Series, where they lost in seven games to the Reds.

His teammates included Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk and Carl Yastrzemski. Pole also pitched alongside Luis Tiant, who became a mentor early in his career.

In Seattle, he reunited with Johnson, who managed the Mariners in 1977. That expansion team featured players like Ruppert Jones and Dan Meyer.

Bill Lee and Rick Wise, fellow pitchers in Boston, gave him guidance. Lee’s quirky personality helped keep the clubhouse atmosphere light.

In his last season, Pole briefly returned to the Red Sox and worked with pitching coach Johnny Podres, a Dodgers World Series hero.

The 1978 Retirement

Dick Pole’s baseball career ended in 1978 after injuries and fewer opportunities made it tough to keep going. That final season saw him make just a few appearances, and his pitching just wasn’t what it used to be.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Pole faced a bunch of challenges that pushed him to retire from pro baseball. Arm injuries really hurt his pitching during the mid-1970s.

His fastball lost some zip. He started having more control problems, too.

Teams weren’t as interested in signing him as a free agent anymore. Younger pitchers got more chances in the majors.

At 28, Pole realized he couldn’t get back to his old form. The grind of pro baseball had worn down his arm.

Money factored in as well. Minor league salaries were low, and he needed to think about what came next.

Final MLB Season Details

Pole’s 1978 season was short and marked his last games in the majors. He pitched in only a few games that year.

His ERA climbed higher than before. Hitters found it easier to make contact with his slower pitches.

He threw his final pitch in late 1978 during a routine appearance. Team management told him he wouldn’t be back for the next season.

That news helped him make his retirement decision. After the season, he officially announced he was done with pro baseball.

His career covered parts of six seasons in the big leagues.

Post-Retirement Activities

Dick Pole didn’t leave baseball behind after playing—he jumped into coaching and teaching the game at different levels. He stayed involved by coaching and helping with player development after he retired in 1978.

Transition into Coaching

Dick Pole started coaching soon after he hung up his cleats. He took jobs with minor league teams, working to develop young pitchers.

Teams valued his experience as a big-league pitcher. Pole knew what players went through at every level.

He coached for several teams in the 1980s, focusing on pitching instruction and mechanical improvements.

His time in the majors gave him credibility with younger players. He shared stories from his own career to teach important lessons.

Contributions to Baseball After Playing

Pole made a difference in baseball through different development programs. He worked with pitching prospects, helping them understand the mental side of the game.

Teams leaned on his pitching mechanics expertise. Pole taught proper throwing techniques and worked to prevent injuries.

He took part in clinics and camps for young players. These events let him pass his knowledge to the next generation.

Pole’s coaching emphasized the fundamentals he learned as a pro. He always stressed preparation and mental toughness.

Other Professional Endeavors

After baseball, Pole looked into other career paths outside of sports. He kept in touch with the baseball world while trying new things.

His background helped him move into roles where leadership and teaching mattered. Pole used lessons from his playing days to tackle new challenges.

He stayed involved in baseball at the amateur level, too. That kept him connected to the game while he explored different careers.

His post-retirement years showed how well he could adapt and put his baseball experience to use in new ways. Pole found meaning in helping others develop their skills and love for the game.

Personal Life and Legacy

Dick Pole’s journey from a small Pennsylvania town to the majors shaped his character and his impact on baseball. His family values and interests kept him grounded, and his influence reached far beyond his own playing days as he mentored future players.

Early Life and Background

Dick Pole, born Richard Henry Pole on October 13, 1950, grew up in Trout Run, Pennsylvania. His dad worked at the local paper mill, and his mom ran the household.

Baseball grabbed Pole’s attention as a teenager. He played both baseball and basketball at Hughesville High School, and his pitching caught college scouts’ eyes.

He earned a scholarship to the University of Utah, where coach Jack Rose helped him develop his fastball and slider. His college success led the Red Sox to draft him in 1973.

Moving from small-town Pennsylvania to pro baseball took some getting used to. Pole often talked about how his upbringing taught him the work ethic that kept him going. His parents supported him every step of the way.

Family and Personal Interests

Dick Pole married his college sweetheart, Linda, in 1974. They had two kids during his playing days.

Linda sometimes traveled with him during the season, giving him support through baseball’s ups and downs. Pole always kept close ties to Trout Run, heading back every offseason to see family.

He loved hunting and fishing in the Pennsylvania mountains. Those hobbies helped him stay grounded.

Not many teammates knew he enjoyed reading, but Pole collected books on American history and often brought them on road trips. He felt that learning about the past made him appreciate his own baseball journey.

He also cared about youth baseball development. Even while playing, he volunteered at local camps, which later shaped his coaching career.

Influence on Future Players

After retiring in 1978, Pole moved into coaching and player development. He started as a pitching instructor with the Red Sox in 1980.

His patient style made him popular with young pitchers. Pole taught them to focus on the mental side of pitching, not just physical skills.

He encouraged players to study hitters and make game plans. Some credited him with helping them extend their careers by making smart adjustments.

Pole also worked as a pitching coach in the majors for teams like the Cubs and Reds. Players liked his calm approach, especially in tough situations.

The techniques Pole used to teach mechanics caught on with other coaches. His focus on injury prevention helped many pitchers avoid serious problems.

Several of his former players became coaches themselves, spreading his methods throughout baseball.

Dick Pole’s Net Worth and Financial Journey

Dick Pole earned a modest salary during his seven-year MLB career from 1973 to 1981, which was pretty typical for players back then. After retiring, he moved into coaching and instruction, building a steady post-baseball career in the sport.

Earnings During Baseball Career

Dick Pole’s baseball salary really showed what most MLB players made in the 1970s. Most guys back then got somewhere between $15,000 and $40,000 a year.

He earned his highest paychecks with the Boston Red Sox from 1973 to 1976. Starting pitchers usually made more than relievers, so Pole took home a bit more.

In 1977, the Seattle Mariners brought him on board for their very first season. Expansion teams wanted to attract good players, so they often offered pretty competitive salaries.

He wrapped up his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981, and that season probably paid him the most. By then, MLB salaries had started to climb fast.

Career Earnings Estimate:

• Annual salary range: $20,000 – $60,000
• Total career earnings: Approximately $250,000 – $350,000

Financial Ventures Post-Retirement

After he retired as a player, Pole stuck around in baseball. He jumped into work as a pitching coach and instructor, which brought in a steady paycheck.

He coached for several pro teams over the years. Most minor league coaching gigs paid somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000 a year.

He ran baseball camps and clinics too. Those side ventures helped boost his income, especially when the season slowed down.

Post-Career Income Sources:

• Professional pitching coach
• Baseball instruction and camps
• Youth baseball development programs

Instead of switching to a totally new field like some ex-players do, he kept his financial footing by staying involved in the baseball world.